National Pathology Accreditation Scheme
The National Pathology Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) accredits Australian pathology laboratories.
Overview
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) is responsible for supporting the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council in its work to develop the pathology standards. These responsibilities were transferred from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department) on 1 July 2021.
The Commission workings with accrediting agencies, pathology practices, experts, consumers, professional bodies and government agencies to fulfil its function.
The NPAAC accreditation materials gives consumers and their carers, requesters and health care providers the confidence that pathology services meet the safety and quality expectations of the public and the Australian healthcare system.
Implementation of pathology standards
In 1986, the Australian Government introduced compulsory assessment of pathology laboratories. To claim benefits under Medicare pathology laboratories must be assessed to and meet the relevant NPAAC pathology standards by an independent body.
The pathology standards form part of the NPAAC accreditation materials listed in the Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories—Approval) Principles 2017. These materials are used by the independent body to accredit pathology laboratories and pathology laboratories must meet the requirements of all relevant standards.
Services Australia regulates eligibility for claiming pathology services under Medicare. Contact Services Australia for more information on the application and claims process.
Accrediting agency
Is an independent body that can take accreditation actions including the granting, refusal or revocation of accreditation in relation to pathology services. See Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories – Approval) Principles 2017.
Contact an approved pathology accrediting agency
Further information is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Feedback
The Commission values your opinion. You can provide comments and feedback about this section of the Commission’s website by emailing advicecentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or phone 1800 304 056.